In a November, 2006
Zogby poll, 84% of adults stated that they are not offended by references to God
or the Bible on network television shows, while 51% said that entertainment
networks should develop shows with positive messages and specific references to
God and the Bible. A review of current television programming reveals that on
reality programming average Americans frequently demonstrate their faith in
unscripted settings, but scripted drama and comedy programs continue to be out
of touch with the American public, regularly portraying religion in a negative
light.

In this, the
seventh Parents Television Council study examining the treatment of religious
content on television, an entire year of prime-time broadcast programming was
analyzed. The PTC examined a total of 2,271.5 hours of programming containing
1,425 treatments of religion.

Major findings:

There were half as many
portrayals of religion in 2005-2006 (1,425) as in 2003-2004 (2,344).

In
2005-2006, there were more negative depictions of religion than positive
ones (35% to 34).

Depictions of aspects affiliated
with organized religion (clergy, doctrine or laity) were mostly negative.
Negative characterizations tended to come from scripted dramatic or comedy
shows. By contrast, on unscripted TV religion tended to be portrayed in a
positive light.

Fox was by far the most
anti-religious network. One in every two (49.3%) portrayals of religion on
the Fox network was negative. Long-time champion NBC came in second in
negative depictions of religion, with well over a third (39.3%) of such
portrayals being negative. Among other networks, on UPN over a third (35.4%)
of depictions of religion were also negative. ABC registered 30.4% and CBS
29% negative portrayals. The WB network featured the fewest negative
depictions of religion (21%).

The number of negative portrayals
increased steadily with each hour of prime-time. Negative treatments
constituted 31.9 % of all treatments in the 8 pm hour, 33.9 % in the 9 pm
hour and 44.4% in the 10 o'clock hour.

At no time during prime time, and
on no network did the positive portrayal of religion even hit the 50% mark.

Devout laity – non-clerical
individuals who profess religious faith – were treated most negatively by
entertainment programs. Over half (50.8%) of all entertainment television's
depictions of laity were negative. Only 26% were positive.

Close behind in negative
portrayal were religious institutions (such as particular denominations,
specific religious beliefs or direct references to Scripture), nearly half
(47.6%) of which were negative. By contrast, only 18% of depictions of
religious institutions were positive.

Prime-time television's portrayal
of clergy was also heavily weighted, with less than a third (30.4%) of
depictions of and references to clergy being positive, and another
two-thirds being negative or ambiguous.

Only in depictions of religious
faith – showing individuals making a simple declaration of belief in God or
a higher power, or praying – was television's portrayal of religion largely
positive. Over two-thirds (69.6%) of such portrayals were positive, with
less than one-sixth (14.7%) being negative.

The format of the program was a
significant factor in the portrayal which religion received. A majority
(57.8%) of the positive portrayals of religion were to be found on reality
programs. By contrast, an overwhelming percentage (95.5%) of the negative
portrayals of religion came from such Hollywood-scripted drama and comedy
programs; only 4.5% of negative portrayals of religion were found on reality
shows.

With most Americans
professing a belief in God and a majority asking for programming which reflects
that belief, it seems a foregone conclusion that television would portray
religion positively. Indeed, on reality programs – in which everyday Americans
are shown voicing their own sentiments – belief in God is openly acknowledged,
and is demonstrated by prayer and behavior indicative of deeply-held faith. But
on scripted television such is not the case. On broadcast TV's dramas and
comedies, devout laity is overwhelmingly depicted as hypocritical, clergy as
depraved and religious institutions as hopelessly corrupt. While most Americans
have a healthy belief in and respect for God and religion, the same cannot be
assumed of the "creative" professionals responsible for the entertainment
media's scripted programming, proving their disconnection from their viewers.

Parents Television Council,
www.parentstv.org, PTC,
Clean Up TV Now, Because our children are watching, The
nation's most influential advocacy organization, Protecting
children against sex, violence and profanity in
entertainment, Parents Television Council Seal of Approval,
and Family Guide to Prime Time Television
are trademarks of the Parents Television Council.